Recommendations for your
Dog
Senior Dog
Cat
Senior Cat

When is an Animal a Senior Citizen?

We know you have the best dog in the world, and want the best for him or her.  We have compiled this list based on our experience with all kinds of dogs.  For your convenience, many of these items are available here.

FOOD:  Science Diet Food, made by the Hills Company, is the highest quality pet food we have found for most dogs.  Science Diet is an excellent value, which is why we stock it.  When it comes to pet food, you really do get what you pay for.  This food is available for the puppy (up to 1 year of age), the adult dog (up to 7 or 8 years of age), and the geriatric dog.

CHEW TOYS AND TREATS: 

        AVOID THESE: Cow hooves, real bones, rocks, ice cubes, toys that can be chewed apart, trash, table scraps and  clothing.  Be especially careful of socks and pantyhose.

COMMON TOXINS:  Mouse/rat poisons, anti-freeze, pesticides, onions, moldy foods (especially cream cheese), human medicines, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts and chocolate.

COLLARS:  Nylon or sturdy cloth buckle collars.  Choke chains can get caught and choke dogs to death.  Pinch collars are unnecessarily harsh for almost all dogs.

LICENSES:  Licenses are required in some cities and counties.  Westminster (303-430-2400), Boulder (303-441-3380), Denver (303-698-0076) and Unincorporated Jefferson County (303-271-5070) require separate licensing.

ODOR AND STAIN REMOVER:  Anti-Icky Poo uses enzymes to destroy, not mask, odors and stains.

OBEDIENCE CLASSES/TRAINERS:

DAYCARES/KENNELS:

GROOMERS:

PETSITTING:

Dogs older than seven years of age are considered senior. Senior dogs are in the stage of life in which the aging process is affecting every organ. Some organs wear out faster than others, so certain observations are especially important to make. The following is a list of key recommendations that we feel are important for older dogs.

1.       Keep vaccinations current. Our veterinarians will determine the proper vaccines and schedule for your senior pet’s lifestyle.

2.       Brush your pet frequently to prevent matts.

3.       Clip toe nails as needed to prevent overgrowth.

4.       Keep plenty of fresh water available and monitor its consumption. Increases in water consumption or urination are often associated with conditions such as diabetes, kidney and liver disease.

6.       Keep indoors most of the time, especially in inclement weather.

7.       Weigh on the same scale and record results at least every 60 days.

8.       Present for examination for any of the following:

              a.       Sustained significant increase in water consumption. (Abnormal is intake greater than 100 ml/kg/day or approximately 1 ½ cups (12 ounces)/day for a 10 pound dog)

 b.       Sustained significant increase in urination.

 c.       Weight loss.

 d.       Significant decrease in appetite or failure to eat for more than two consecutive days.

 e.       Significant increase in appetite.

 f.        Repeated vomiting.

 g.       Diarrhea that lasts over 3 days.

 h.       Difficulty in passing stool or urine.

 j.         Lameness that lasts more than 3 days, or lameness in more than one leg.

 k.       Noticeable decrease in vision, especially if sudden in onset or pupils that do not constrict in bright light.

 l.         Masses, ulcerations (open sores), or multiple scabs on the skin that persist more than 1 week.

 m.     Foul mouth odor or drooling that lasts over 2 days.

 n.       Increasing size of the abdomen.

 o.       Increasing inactivity or amount of time spent sleeping.

 p.       Hair loss, especially if accompanied by scratching or if in specific areas (as opposed to generalized).

 q.       Persistent coughing or gagging.

 r.        Excessive panting.

 s.       Sudden collapse or bout of weakness.

 t.        Inability to chew dry food.

 u.       A seizure (convulsion).

We know you have the best cat in the world, and want to give him or her the best.  We have compiled this list based on our interaction with our feline friends.

FOOD: 

KITTY LITTER:  Studies have shown cats prefer unscented, clumping/scoopable type (sand-like) litter.  It also eliminates odor.  Scoop the box daily, keeping litter 2-3" deep by adding new litter when necessary.  Do not use a liner and dump the old litter and wash box as needed with mild soap (e.g. Ivory) only when the box becomes soiled.  Provide 1 more box than the number of cats in the home.

TOYS, TOYS, TOYS:

    AVOID THESE:  Yarn, string, tinsel, rubber bands, electrical cords, bones, toys that can be chewed apart or swallowed, saran wrap, tin foil, trash and table scraps.

COMMON TOXINS:  Mouse/rat poisons, anti-freeze, pesticides, herbicides, snail bait, poisonous plants, onions, moldy foods, medicines, chocolate, and lilies.

SCRATCHING POSTS:  Must be tall and sturdy.  The best are wrapped in "sisal" (rope-like).  There are various types including teepee shaped posts and one that hangs from a doorknob (Booda brand).  To make a scratching post, cover a cardboard frame in carpet with the backing side of the carpet facing out, or wrap in sisal (available at craft shops).

COLLARS:  All cats should wear identification and rabies tags.  Our rabies tags are engraved with our phone number in case of emergency.

ODOR AND STAIN REMOVER:  Anti-Icky Poo uses enzymes to destroy, not mask, odors and stains.

BOARDING:  Bed n' Bisquits (303) 940-9188

There are now more pet cats than dogs in the North America. Improved nutrition, prevention of infectious disease and advances in veterinary medical care have resulted in pets living longer and healthier lives. In North America, over the last ten years there has been a 15% increase in cats over 10 years of age and the proportion of the feline population aged 15 years or older has increased from 5% to 14%. It’s a great time to be a cat!

Why should we treat old cats differently to young cats?

1.   With advancing age body functions change.

As cats age, all of their body systems are affected:

Reduction in exercise may result in reduced muscle tone, which may further reduce the cat’s ability to jump, climb or exercise. This may also lead to a stiffening of the joints and arthritis.

When coupled with a reduced metabolic rate (common in older individuals), lack of exercise can result in a fall in energy requirements of up to 40%. If a cat maintains a good appetite, its daily food intake must be reduced to prevent excessive weight gain.

Inappetance (lack of desire to eat) may develop in some senior cats since the senses of smell and taste become dull with age and periodontal (dental) disease is common.

Gut function and the ability of the intestines to absorb nutrients are reduced in older animals.

Thirst is also decreased, causing an increased risk of dehydration, especially when combined with concurrent renal insufficiency (kidney disease which is common in older cats).

Most specific nutrient requirements are not yet determined for senior cats. However, it is often assumed that older cats have some degree of subclinical (underlying) disease, particularly of the kidneys and liver, hence a diet with moderate protein restriction is usually recommended.

2.   With advancing age, any medication must be given carefully.

    Changes in physiology not only affect food absorption, they also affect the way many drugs are metabolized. Liver   and kidney disease occur commonly in older cats. When coupled with mild dehydration, these can result in reduced drug     clearance rates and marked elevations in drug concentrations circulating within the blood. When treating geriatric patients, the dose and dosing intervals of some drugs may need to be altered.

Does my senior cat still need to have regular booster vaccinations?

Although little is known about the feline immune system, it is generally assumed that with age immune function may deteriorate. This may in turn result in a reduced ability to fight infection or screen for neoplastic (cancer) cells. Regular booster vaccinations are generally recommended and prompt treatment of disease is essential. Our veterinarians will determine the appropriate vaccination program for your cat based on its physical condition and lifestyle.

My senior cat becomes very distressed when we try to medicate her. Should we keep trying when it upsets her so much?

This is something you should discuss with your veterinarian. There is no simple answer to this question; it depends on whether the treatment may lead to a cure, or whether it is aimed at controlling clinical signs. It also depends on how ill the cat is, and on how serious the disease for which it is being treated. Older cats are often poorly tolerant of excessive physical handling or environmental change, so while veterinary medicine may be able to offer complex therapeutic options, it is important that each case be assessed individually. Treatment should not be attempted where it will be poorly tolerated for medical or temperamental reasons. Once the patient’s quality of life can no longer be maintained it is important that euthanasia is performed as compassionately as possible, in order to prevent the cat from suffering.

What diseases do senior cats commonly get?

The major diseases seen in older cats are hormonal disorders (such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus), kidney disease, neoplasia (cancer), infections (e.g. feline immunodeficiency virus [FIV]), periodontal disease and arthritis.

It is important to remember that while young cats usually have only one disorder at a time, this is often not so in older patients, where diagnosis and treatment may be complicated by the concurrence of multiple interacting disease processes.

While it is true to say that "old age is not a disease", it does merit special attention. This is important so that if your cat develops disease, we can recognize and treat it as early as possible, thereby maintaining its quality of life for as long as possible.

What can I do to make my senior cat as happy as possible?

Most cats age gracefully and require few changes to their general regimen. Since older cats do not generally respond well to change, it is important that any changes are introduced slowly.

Elderly cats should have easy access to a warm bed, situated where the cat can sleep safely without fear of disturbance.

It is strongly recommended that you feed your older cat a senior diet. They should always have easy access to fresh drinking water.

As cats’ age, some will experience a reduced ability to control urination and defecation. To reduce the risk of “accidents”, it may be necessary to allow access to multiple litter boxes.

Senior cats should have regular health checks with their veterinarian every six months.

My veterinarian mentioned a Senior Care Program; what does this entail?

The aim of any senior care program is to maintain the quality of the patient’s life and to slow the progression of age-related disease. Programs usually include a thorough physical examination, blood screening and testing for feline leukemia virus infection (FeLV). Body weight should be recorded regularly and booster vaccinations should be given annually. We will provide you with additional details about our senior care programs upon request.

Suddenly Senior?

As humans, we notice the telltale signs of the passing years - our joints are a little stiffer, the newspaper print seems a little smaller, our memory fails us, and our energy isn't what it used to be.  Our animals experience similar changes with two key differences.  First, our pets age at a faster rate than we do, so they experience age-related illnesses at younger ages than we might expect.  Second, our pets rely on us, their caretakers, to detect those early changes so that small problems do not become insurmountable.

Let's make sure that your pet is getting the right care for his/her age.  First, use the chart below to determine your pet's human-age.  In the left-hand column, find the row that corresponds to your pet's age.  Now, move across to the column that corresponds to your pet's size.  The number in that box is your pet's approximate human-age.

Pet's Age	Cats & Dogs < 20 lbs	Dogs 21 - 50 lbs	Dogs 51 - 90 lbs	Dogs > 91 lbs
5	36	37	40	42
6	40	42	45	49
7	44	47	50	56
8	48	51	55	64
9	52	56	61	71
10	56	60	66	78
11	60	65	72	86
12	64	69	77	93
13	68	74	82	101
14	72	78	88	108
15	76	83	93	115
16	80	87	99	123
17	84	92	104	Color Code:
18	88	96	109	Green = Adult
19	92	101	115	Yellow = Senior
20	96	105	120	Pink = Geriatric

Adult, senior, and geriatric pets have different preventative health care needs.  General medical recommendations are listed below, but we will customize a healthcare plan for your pet depending on his or her individual health status, specific needs and risk assessment.

Recommended Tests/Exams	Adult Cat	Senior Cat	Geriatric Cat	Adult Dog	Senior Dog	Geriatric Dog
Physical exam, pain and nutrition screen - yearly	X			X
Physical exam, pain and nutrition screen - 2x/year		X	X		X	X
Behavior screen - yearly	X	X	X	X	X	X
Dental cleaning - yearly		X	X		X	X
Heartworm test (every 3 years if on year-round preventative)				X	X	X
Thyroid hormone profile - yearly		X	X		X	X
CBC, blood chemistry, urinalysis - yearly	X	X		X	X
CBC, blood chemistry, urinalysis - 2x/year			X			X
Arthritis screen - yearly		X	X		X	X
Chest x-rays - yearly			X			X
Kidney disease & blood pressure screen - yearly			X

We use the results of your pet's physical exam, blood tests, and other screening tools to detect early signs of disease.  Often the most sensitive test that we have to detect disease is you.  You know your pet best and your are in the best position to detect subtle changes in your pet's health and behavior.  Look in the chart below to see if you have noticed any of these changes in your pet.  Even small changes can lead to big problems if they are not addressed early; schedule an appointment with us as soon as you notice any of these changes in your pet.

Does your pet have...?	Possible Diseases	If untreated, can progress to...
Bad breath Red or swollen gums Lumps in/around mouth	Dental disease or gingivitis Tumors, abscess, foreign body	Infection and inflammation of heart, liver,   kidney, and bladder Progression of cancer, extensive infections Decreased quality and length of life
Lameness, limping, difficulty getting up of walking Less willing to exercise	Arthritis, hip dysplasia, back disease,  muscle strain, or neurological disease	Continued pain, discomfort, and progressive inability to move/walk Progressive neurological disease Decreased life expectancy
Decreased energy, fainting Tires easily Difficulty breathing, coughing	Heart disease, lung disease	Heart failure, decreased quality of life, and progression to additional organ failure
Increased drinking &/or urinating Housetraining/litter-box problems	Endocrine diseases such as diabetes, Cushing's, and Addison's Kidney disorders	Heart failure, kidney failure, secondary organ involvement
Changes in appetite Changes in weight Vomiting Diarrhea	Dental disease Liver disease GI tract disease Endocrine disease	Liver failure, bleeding, hypoglycemia, neurological abnormalities Progression of gastrointestinal disease Malnutrition, pain, infection, inflammation Secondary organ involvement
Changes in hair/skin	Skin disorders, Cushing's, tumors, thyroid disorder	Progressive skin changes, decreased quality of life, secondary organ disease, cancer
Lumps, bumps, bleeding/irritated skin	Tumors, abscesses, foreign body	Progression of cancer, infection, inflammation Decreased life expectancy
Red eyes, color changes to eye, rubbing eyes, squinting	Corneal ulceration, dry eye, glaucoma, cataracts	Pain, loss of vision
Gets lost or disoriented, change in sleeping, less interested in people, excessive vocalization	Cognitive dysfunction and other behavioral changes	Decreased quality of life

The possibility for effective treatment is greatest when the abnormalities are diagnosed as early as possible.  Treatment options will vary based on the individual pet and may include diet changes, supplements, medicine, surgery, and even acupuncture and massage in some cases.  Our goal is to improve the quality of your pet's life during their older years and help them remain a healthy, active part of your life that you can enjoy for years to come.